LIT 210 - The Graphic Novel

Credit(s) 3.00
Lecture Hours: 3.00
This course is an introduction to graphic novel form that focuses on the study of its evolution, from the “funnies” to respected literature. Literary techniques and theories will be used to analyze the multiple genres of the graphic novel and manga. Special emphasis will be placed on image reading and exploring visual language and rhetoric in a constantly evolving and diverse society.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 105 or ENG 107
SLOs:
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Identify the history and evolution of the graphic novel and explore how “new media”/technology will impact its future.
Identify the special vocabulary of the graphic novel and interpret how this vocabulary and special format impacts the textual reading as a whole.
Differentiate genres of graphic novels and the particular qualities of each type.
Identify types of visual rhetoric within graphic novels and analyze how visual rhetoric enhances the reading experience.
Apply knowledge of visual rhetoric to design a graphic novel form that employs visual rhetoric.
Identify the semiotics of graphic novels and evaluate how these visual and linguistic structures operate in the graphic novel.
Apply knowledge of semiotics to design a graphic novel form that is cognizant of semiotic structures.
Identify different literary theories and analyze how graphic novels employ these literary applications and theories.
Distinguish the similarities and differences between graphic novels and other types of written and visual texts, i.e. textual novels, film, and evaluate and criticize the success of these texts.
Interpret how graphic novels convey particular statements on humanity, history, society and culture and offer underground and or alternative perspectives.
Demonstrate knowledge by producing written critical analyses on the elements of graphic novels.
Prepare an oral presentation on a graphic novel.
Apply knowledge learned to create graphic novel elements.